Estonia and Latvia -- After the Soviet Collapse

Can you ever go home again? Dr. Ain Haas explores "Return Migration to Post-Soviet Estonia and Latvia" in the next presentation in the Sabbatical Speaker Series 2006-2007 of the Indiana University School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Dr. Haas, associate professor of sociology and an ethnic Estonian, examines the experiences of first-, second-, and third-generation exiles/emigrants of Estonian and Latvian heritage (primarily political refugees and their descendants), who returned to their ancestral lands when the Soviet regime collapsed. Personal interviews with some 130 returnees covered their reasons for moving, adjustment to life in the Baltic countries, and comparisons with their old life in the West.

Check out what's happening these days in two of the former "Captive Nations" at 4:30 p.m. Friday, 2 February, in Room 508, Cavanaugh Hall, IUPUI, 425 University Boulevard, Indianapolis.

Indy to Host 12th U.S. Latvian Song Festival

Mark your calendars for a unique event in downtown Indianapolis 4-8 July.

This event is so big it'll take place at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Artsgarden, Murat Centre, Athenaeum, Circle Theatre, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and the Scottish Rite Cathedral!

The schedule is on the extensive website.

North Americans of Latvian descent are expected in the thousands, and the colorful performances of music and dance are open to the public (see here for ticket information).

Ron Miller is committee chairman for the all-volunteer event hosted by Indy Latvians.